Can I Call the Police If My Car Is Locked in a Private Parking Space?
2 Answers
If your vehicle is locked after being parked in someone else's private parking space, you can call the police for assistance in negotiation. However, this behavior itself constitutes the occupation of another person's property, so it is best not to involve the police. Areas where parking is prohibited: Yellow no-parking lines on the curb indicate areas where roadside parking or stopping is prohibited. The length of the line indicates the scope of the no-parking zone. Yellow grid lines mark areas where parking is prohibited for any reason. These are generally used at intersections, entrances, and exits where temporary parking could cause traffic congestion. Special areas such as within 30 meters of bus stops, gas stations, emergency stations, and in front of fire stations do not allow temporary parking. Parking is not permitted at intersections, railroad crossings, sharp curves, narrow roads less than 4 meters wide, bridges, steep slopes, tunnels, or within 50 meters of such locations. Parking is also prohibited in sections where there are separation facilities between motor vehicle lanes, non-motor vehicle lanes, and sidewalks, as well as in crosswalks and construction zones.
As a car owner, I have experienced similar situations and can tell you that it is completely legal to call the police if your car is locked in a private parking space. Private parking spaces are private property, and locking a car may involve infringement or illegal detention. In China, calling the police at 110 is a legal approach, and officers will arrive to mediate the dispute or unlock the vehicle. Before calling the police, it's best to first contact the parking space owner or property management to negotiate a resolution and avoid escalating the conflict. I recommend paying attention to parking signs in daily life to avoid accidental parking; if your car is locked, stay calm and preserve evidence such as photos. Relevant laws like the Property Rights Law support property protection, and calling the police can quickly restore your mobility and ensure safety. In such situations, don't hesitate—act early to avoid travel delays, as calling the police is an efficient and safe solution. In short, calling the police is not only legal but also educates both parties to respect the rules.
